If you have ongoing or recurrent back pain, your doctor may recommend imaging to investigate the possible cause. A CT scan can provide detailed images of the spine and surrounding structures, helping to assess the bones, joints and other anatomical structures that may be contributing to your symptoms.
CT imaging can be particularly useful for assessing spinal fractures, degenerative changes and other bony abnormalities. Your referring doctor can use the imaging findings, together with your symptoms and clinical assessment, to help determine the most appropriate next steps in your care.
At MBR Health, our CT examinations are interpreted by our specialist radiologists, with the imaging protocol selected according to the clinical question.
A CT scan of the spine uses X-rays and advanced computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the vertebrae and surrounding structures. At MBR Health, our Spectral CT can provide additional material-specific information beyond conventional CT, depending on the clinical question and examination protocol.
CT can be used to assess the spine for conditions such as fractures, degenerative changes, narrowing of the spinal canal and other bony abnormalities that may be associated with back pain.
The imaging findings are interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical assessment to help your referring doctor determine the most appropriate next steps in your care. Where detailed assessment of the spinal cord, nerves or soft tissues is required, MRI may provide additional information.
Most back pain does not require CT imaging. However, your doctor may recommend imaging when symptoms are persistent, severe, associated with an injury, or when there is concern about an underlying spinal condition.
CT imaging may be considered when you have:
• Persistent or worsening back pain
• Back pain following a fall, accident or other injury
• Leg pain associated with weakness, numbness or tingling
• Known or suspected spinal fracture
• Abnormal findings on an X-ray or previous imaging
• A history of conditions that may affect the spine, such as osteoporosis or cancer
• Symptoms that have not improved with appropriate conservative management
New difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel, significant weakness or numbness, or severe back pain following an injury requires prompt medical assessment. Your doctor can determine whether CT, MRI or another form of imaging is most appropriate.
At MBR Health, our Spectral CT provides detailed imaging of the spine and can offer additional material-specific information when appropriate for the clinical question.
If your doctor has recommended a CT scan for back pain, our team will provide you with any preparation instructions before your appointment. At MBR Health, the CT examination is tailored to the area of concern and the clinical question being investigated.
During the scan, you’ll lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner. The scanner takes a series of images from different angles, which are reconstructed into detailed cross-sectional images of your spine and surrounding structures.
You’ll need to remain still while the images are acquired. The scan itself is quick and non-invasive, and our radiographer will be able to communicate with you throughout the examination.
Depending on the type of CT required, intravenous contrast may be used to provide additional information. If contrast is required, our team will explain this before the examination.
At MBR Health, our Spectral CT can provide additional material-specific information where appropriate, alongside detailed anatomical imaging. Your images are reviewed and reported by a specialist radiologist, with the findings provided to your referring doctor.
Most CT scans require little preparation. If you’re having a CT at MBR Health, we’ll let you know if any specific preparation is required for your examination.
Before your appointment:
• Tell us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
• Let us know about any allergies or previous reactions to contrast media.
• Tell us about any medications or relevant medical conditions.
• Wear comfortable clothing and remove jewellery or other metal items as requested.
• If fasting is required for your examination, our team will provide you with specific instructions beforehand.
Please follow the preparation instructions provided by our team, as requirements can vary depending on the type of CT examination and whether intravenous contrast is required.
You can generally return to your usual activities after a CT scan. If intravenous contrast was used, our team may ask you to remain at MBR Health briefly so we can ensure you are feeling well before you leave. We may also recommend drinking fluids after the examination.
Your CT images will be reviewed and reported by our specialist radiologist. The report is then provided to your referring doctor, who can discuss the findings with you and determine the most appropriate next steps based on your symptoms, examination and imaging results.
The timing of your report will depend on the examination and clinical circumstances.
CT provides detailed cross-sectional images of the spine, with excellent visualisation of the bones and other anatomical structures. Compared with a standard X-ray, CT can provide more detailed information about the spine and can help assess abnormalities that may be associated with back pain.
CT imaging is also a quick and non-invasive examination. The image acquisition itself usually takes only a short time, making CT useful when detailed assessment of the spine is required promptly.
CT can be used to assess a range of spinal conditions, including fractures, degenerative changes, spinal narrowing and other bony abnormalities. At MBR Health, our Spectral CT can provide additional material-specific information where appropriate to the clinical question.
The imaging findings are interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical assessment. Your referring doctor can then use the results to help determine the most appropriate next steps in your care.
CT scans use ionising radiation. At MBR Health, we use protocols appropriate to the examination and clinical question, with radiation exposure considered as part of the imaging process. If you have had multiple CT scans previously or have concerns about radiation exposure, please discuss this with your referring doctor or our team.
If intravenous contrast is required, there is a small risk of an allergic or other reaction. Let us know before your examination if you have had a previous reaction to contrast media or have any known allergies. Our team will assess whether contrast is appropriate and provide you with any relevant instructions.
Serious complications from CT itself are uncommon. If contrast is administered, additional risks may apply depending on your individual circumstances. Our team will discuss any relevant considerations with you before the examination.
CT is not always the most appropriate imaging examination for back pain. Depending on your symptoms and the clinical question, your doctor may recommend MRI or X-ray instead.
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the spine, including the spinal cord, nerves, discs and other soft tissues. MRI does not use ionising radiation and can provide information that may not be seen on CT.
X-rays can provide useful information about the bones and alignment of the spine, although they provide less detailed information than CT or MRI.
At MBR Health, we offer both Spectral CT and 3T MRI, allowing the appropriate imaging examination to be selected according to your clinical circumstances and the information your doctor needs.
CT can provide detailed images of the spine and surrounding structures, helping to investigate potential causes of back pain and other spinal symptoms.
If you experience persistent or recurrent back pain, speak with your doctor about whether imaging may be appropriate. Depending on your symptoms and the clinical question, Spectral CT, MRI or X-ray may provide different types of information.
At MBR Health, our Spectral CT provides detailed anatomical imaging with additional material-specific information where appropriate. Our specialist radiologists interpret the images in conjunction with the clinical information provided by your referring doctor to support the next steps in your care.